I've recently purchased my first wake boat (new 08 Moomba XLV w/GG3 Ballast). I'm wanting a wakesurf board that will be easy enough for first timers to get up on, stay on the wave, and will still be fun for seasons to come. I'm looking at the always popular Inland Surfer Blue Lake and Phase 5 Oogle. I know the Blue Lake is more surf style and the Oogle is leaned more towards skim. Opinions and advice welcomed. Thanks.

Both good choices. The Oogle will sink under newbies easier, so better for the lighter riders. I'd say Oogle is easier to spin as well. Oogle gets my vote.

Thanks Joe. The Shred Stixx Pirahna looks like a great surf style board and the length looks like it would be good for newbies.

Go with the oogle and never look back. We chose it even over the yellow loogey we had. Great beginner board too...and its something you can progress on.

I love my Blue Lake! But also plan on getting a Phase 5 next year! <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0>

I second what Chuch said.

These are both great boards but I would look more at the Razz then the Oogle. The Razz has a thicker foam core and floats alot better. Allowing a heavier person to ride it. Not trying to push Phase 5 Yes I ride for them but dont want to see someone spend money on a board when there is a new better option for that kind of board.

Drew... Does P5 have an option for the 250 pound riders that doesn't make you pump like crazy to stay in the wave????

I've been reading this and staying out of it so far (As I was dubbed a SPAMMER at one point) but I can't hold back any more... <BR> <BR>@bigcatpt - Props does, ask Robert from Wake9. I don't want to jump the gun, bet he has some good information on the subject. He may be the perfect person to talk to.

Clay..... Since someone asked specifically about a P5 board I think it should be Ok for Drew to respond to the question. I think people have a problem and start calling "spam" when the information comes unsolicited. In this case with AJ's original question he was asking about a P5 and IS board. I also solicited advice from Drew. I am aware that several board manufactures make larger boards for bigger guys. I was specifically wondering if P5 had one. Sorry to hijack the thread. Didn' want it to turn into a spamming contest of who's board is bigger, better, faster, stronger, etc.... You know how it goes...

I understand, the only reason I really commented was because Robert and I just talked about this yesterday. It is fresh on my mind.

I have the IS Blue Lake, Swallow and Sweet Spot. I learnt on and still have a broadcast. I also have a trick boardz that I have ridden on and off. <BR> <BR>Last year when i got the trick boardz and the IS boards I thought I had gotten everything I could out of the Broadcast and like you wanted a board that would last me for a few years, but i couldn't decide between surf and skim style. <BR> <BR>As far as teaching other people to surf (which I've done for 8 people this year), by far the most popular board to get up and get comfortable on was the broadcast. The others moved around too much for true beginners. Most moved on to the Blue Lake once they could drop the rope. <BR> <BR>However, for me the Blue Lake was a great progression from the Broadcast and I could really tell the difference in the quality and design of this board compared with the broadcast. I never rode the broadcast again after trying this board. <BR> <BR>However, I really wanted to learn to do a 360 and some of the other tricks on Drew's learn to wakeboard DVD, and after trying all the boards above the one I found the best all around board for me was the sweet spot. <BR> <BR>The skim style trick boardz was very loose, but for me it just wasn't fun to ride for long and didnt let me vary the style of riding much. <BR> <BR>The sweet spot was looser and faster than the Blue Lake, but still had the better float style of a surf style board and let me ride that way if I wanted to. <BR> <BR>I haven't tried a Phase 5, as there are no dealers in Arkansas and I can't afford to buy every board I want to try. But I've been tempted several times.

Yes, props did send us some boards to test. They have 2 models for bigger riders. The Eel roll, and the EZ-1. They have the EZ-Glide also, but that is a nose rider. I would say the eel roll would work for 250 its 5'4" and rides fast and responsive for a bigger board. It also is setup as a thruster and can be configured as a twin. The nice thing about the setup is we used 3 different options, thruster with larger rear fin, which made it very stable. Smaller back fin which loosened it up more than we expected, and then as a twin which made it very quick to respond, but still had good drive. <BR> <BR>In the coming week or so, we will have some video of our review, it was a lot of fun. Gunz rode the eel roll and he weighs about 230.

I rode it,and I really liked it.Especially with the smaller fin on the back.It's as close to my Stretch as I've ridden,but wider,which I need due to the smaller wake of my own boat.

AJ: from my post above, I started with a broadcast, then Blue Lake, then Phase5 and then some (more P5s and TWP). <BR>I found it extremely difficult to spin the Blue. The P5 progressed my skills on trying different surface spins. Wife loves the P5 cause it sinks much easier than the blue--both boards are too big for her but she's just learning anyways. After you carve it up and cruise, you'll be wanting to land a 3 and I wouldn't choose the blue, I sold mine for that reason. It's a fantastic cruiser and carving board. <BR> <BR>If someone needs to jump in outside the criteria, just PM the original poster.

Bigcat, Call and talk with Adam at M$M or better drive over and talk with him about that Phase 5. He did mention that they made one (bigger version) for us "Well Structured" guys!! Hence its on my list for next year

On the P5 website the biggest board is listed good to 230 lbs. I am just a little more "well structured" than that..... So does anyone know any different? I would like to find a size appropriate skim style board....

Hey, one thing to point out abour floatation and beginners is that it can also be more harmful, than helpful..IN SOME CASES! I had lightweight girls and kids really have a tough time getting up on the yellow because it wouldnt sink and bite when I gave tension. Just something to think about as well. I know you are looking for a big guy board, but make sure you think through all details.